Alexander Wang: Style as Sport

Simone GollerFebruary 13th, 2011 @ 3:29 PM - New York

If Alexander Wang's fall 2011 New York fashion show on Saturday, Feb. 12, was any indication of his spirits this icy season, then he is in a playful (both sporty and funny) mood these days. And with good reason - with his flagship store grand opening on Grand Street in Manhattan later this week, his fall collection is all about "hybriding," as he said after the show, and clearly the ball is in his court.

The 26-year-old designer, who has already established himself as one of fashion's most promising talents, made uncommon match-ups in textures and styles, taking this winter's pervasive urban snow bunny to a whole new level.

"Really common things like polar fleece and anorak and combining it with the idea of decadence," Wang explained, resulting in pieces such as boxing shorts and track pants with cummerbund detail and merino lapel pea coat with puffer sleeves. Motorcycle jackets with tuxedo tails and taffeta bomber ponchos with quilted leather spats took the sport of keeping warm while looking cool to the extreme.

Especially impressive pieces involved the fusion of two distinct materials such as angora and satin, and making one nearly ascend into the other, smoothly melting into each other, as seen on a needle punch sweater cape. Streamer dresses were sexy and subtle and left a lingering presence even after they waved adieu.

"Taking things that felt very active and sporty and kind of combining that with this idea of the stereotypes of wealth, and poking fun at it," Wang said with a chuckle.

His lightheartedness came through in fall sandals with fur toe straps and heel capes that hung off the back ankle, almost mockingly. Sunglasses with mink goggle straps were the ultimate nudge to the affluent and will no doubt be an ultimate fall accessory. Wang's humorous approach to fashion will certainly be followed by serious success.